Variability of chemical traits of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.)

• Main Authors: Dražić Slobodan, Ristić Mihajlo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Serbian Association of Plant Breedings and Seed Producers 2000-01-01
• Series: Selekcija i Semenarstvo
• Subjects: peppermint; chemical traits; variability; correlations
• Online Access: http://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0354-5881/2000/0354-58810002029D.pdf

The aim of this contribution was to establish variability and relationship between selected qualitative properties of mint (Mentha x piperita L.). During two year period, the content of the essential oil, as well as its major constituents (menthol, menthyl acetate, menthone, mentofuran, pulegone and 1,8-cineole), was followed. These contents varied from 12% for essential oil up to 46% for pulegone. Huge variation width was established for menthyl acetate, menthone, mentofuran and pulegone, what could be of practical importance for guidance of the selection. Negative relationship, prevailing between chemical properties, could complicate breeding of advanced genotypes of this medicinal plant. .